Roll On/Roll Off Supported at TPO

Roll On/Roll Off Supported at TPO

Yesterday’s Transportation Planning Organization voted in support of a resolution advocating roll on/roll off service for bicycles on Amtrak.

We feel this is an important service that will make the Roanoke Valley an even more desirable destination for those seeking adventures in the outdoors. Imagine being able to get on the train in DC with your bike, travel to Roanoke, then roll right off and hit the Luck Run or Roanoke River Greenways!

Text of the resolution is below:

RESOLUTION

by the Roanoke Valley Transportation Planning Organization (RVTPO) Recommending that the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) Ensure

“ROLL ON/ROLL OFF” Accommodations for Bicycles on Passenger Rail Service

to Roanoke, Virginia

WHEREAS, the 2012 Bikeway Plan for the Roanoke Valley Area MPO represents a coordinated effort by the RVTPO and local jurisdictions to facilitate development of a regional transportation network that accommodates and encourages bicycling as an alternative mode of travel; and

WHEREAS, the 2014 Livable Roanoke Valley Plan emphasizes non-motorized transportation, such as bicycling, as a way to achieve both transportation and public health goals at the same time; and

WHEREAS, “ROLL ON/ROLL OFF” service implements the recommendations of these plans and furthers the region’s transportation and economic development priorities; and

WHEREAS, AMTRAK passenger rail service is anticipated to return to the Roanoke Valley in 2017, serving an ADA-accessible high-level passenger platform suitable for a “ROLL ON/ROLL OFF” bicycle operation; and,

WHEREAS, including “ROLL ON/ROLL OFF” accommodations when rail service starts in Roanoke would encourage the use of bicycles by AMTRAK rail passengers and encourage bicycle transportation and tourism by reducing barriers or disincentives to bringing bicycles aboard the train; and,

WHEREAS, this resolution has been reviewed and recommended by the RVTPO’s Transportation Technical Committee;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Policy Board of the Roanoke Valley Transportation Planning Organization recommends that the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation ensure “ROLL ON/ROLL OFF” accommodations for bicycles on passenger rail service to Roanoke, Virginia; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Policy Board of the Roanoke Valley Transportation Planning Organization requests that the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation work with AMTRAK to facilitate implementation of such on-train capacity with the resumption of passenger rail service to Roanoke, Virginia.